Associate Director, Director of Prevention and Community Education
Licensed Social Worker - Clinical & Macro
Concordia University (B.A.), Grand Valley State University (M.S.W.)
 

Email: [email protected]

StrengthsFinder Top 5: Learner, Input, Achiever, Intellection, Analytical

Approach to Therapy: My approach is integrative, with an emphasis on family dynamics and the impact of past experiences on current functioning.  I pay attention to patterns and how they either lend to or reduce symptoms, as well as students’ social and cultural identities – including the ways that oppression and injustice affect well-being.  I believe that the most important factor in healing is the relationship between student and therapist.  To that end, I strive to nurture trust, foster transparency, and provide a warm, unbiased environment in which to explore.

Campus and Community Involvement:

• Part-time faculty, School of Social Work
• Intercultural Dialogue, Engagement, and Action facilitator
• Ottawa County Suicide Prevention Taskforce

Areas of Clinical Interest:

• Family of origin issues
• Trauma
• Trans* and gender non-binary identities

Self-Care:

• Spending time with my family
• Going to bed early
• Going out for dinner with friends
• Exercising – I like to hike, kayak, and run (despite being terrible at it!)
• Spending time alone reading or watching tv

Fun Fact/s:

• I am a foster mom
• I was the first person in my family to go to college